Cimatron E11 [new] May 2026

Cimatron E11: A Deep Dive into the Legacy Powerhouse of Mold and Die Manufacturing

In the fast-paced world of Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD), software versions come and go. However, few releases have left as lasting an impact on the mold, tool, and die industry as Cimatron E11. Released as a milestone version by 3D Systems (formerly Cimatron Technologies), E11 represents a pivotal moment where 3D design and 2.5-to-5-axis machining became truly seamless.

Even years after its release, Cimatron E11 remains a benchmark for reliability, speed, and specialized functionality. For many toolmakers, it is the "gold standard" that subsequent versions are measured against. This article explores the intricate features, technical specifications, and enduring legacy of Cimatron E11.

Part 4: Why Shops Still Install Cimatron E11 Today

Despite the availability of newer versions, there is a vibrant secondary market for Cimatron E11 licenses. Why?

Hardware Affordability: E11 runs smoothly on Windows 7/10 legacy machines. It does not require a $5,000 GPU or 128GB of RAM. It can run on an old Dell Precision workstation.
No Subscription Cloud: E11 is perpetual. Many machinists dislike the modern trend of "Software as a Service" (SaaS). Once you buy E11 (or a used license), it is yours forever. You don't need to phone home to a cloud server.
Stability: Modern software is often buggy because of constant updates. E11 is frozen. For a mold shop that machines the same 50 product lines year after year, "not changing" equals productivity.
Simplicity of 5-Axis: In Mastercam or NX, programming 5-axis collision avoidance is a science. In Cimatron E11, the "5-Axis Automatic Drilling" and "Swarf" functions were surprisingly intuitive.

1. The Interface & Navigation

Cimatron E11 relies heavily on the Tree and the Wizard bars on the left side of the screen. cimatron e11

Procedure Bar (Left Side): This is your active "To-Do" list. When you activate a tool (like Extrude), the steps appear here. You must click the green checkmark (OK) or red X (Cancel) to finish.
Feature Tree (Left Side): Shows your history. You can right-click features to edit, delete, or insert objects "mid-stream."
View Management: Located on the top toolbar ribbon. Look for the "Views" flyout to switch between ISO, Top, Front, and Side views.

Part 2: Key Features of Cimatron E11

E11 is not just a CAD program; it is an integrated CAD/CAM solution. Here are the pillars that make it endure.

Step 1: Sketching

Click the Sketcher icon.
Select a Plane (XY, XZ, YZ) or a flat face.
Drawing Tools: Located on the top toolbar (Line, Rectangle, Circle).
Constraints: Use the "Constrain" tools to lock geometry (Horizontal, Vertical, Equal, Coincident).
Dimensions: Click the dimension icon, click geometry, click placement.
Exit: Click the green checkmark on the Procedure Bar.

Part 3: The Cimatron E11 Workflow (Real-World Example)

Let’s walk through a typical workflow for a "Plastic Cover Mold" using Cimatron E11.

Step 1: Import & Fix (CAD) The customer provides a .STEP file. The user opens it in Cimatron E11. Cimatron E11: A Deep Dive into the Legacy

Action: Use "Heal Geometry" to stitch open edges. Convert surfaces to a solid using "Sew."

Step 2: Quenching & Draft (Tooling Prep)

Action: Identify undercuts. E11's "Draft Analysis" colors the model blue/green/red to show where the part will stick in the mold.

Step 3: Mold Design (Assembly)

Action: Launch MoldDesign. Define parting direction. Run "Automatic Parting Line." E11 creates Core, Cavity, and Sliders automatically.

Step 4: Electrode Creation (If needed)

Action: Deep corners identified. Run "Electrode Wizard." E11 copies the corner geometry, offsets it by 0.2mm (spark gap), and creates a graphite burn block.

Step 5: NC Programming (CAM)

Action: Switch to NC environment.
- Roughing: 3D Volume Mill (20mm endmill, 3mm stepdown).
- Finishing: Spiral Cut (6mm ballnose, 0.2mm stepover).
- Electrode Machining: Execute pre-defined template.

Step 6: Simulation & Post

Action: Run "Material Removal Simulation" (VRML viewer). Click "G-Code Generator" > Fanuc 31i post processor.

2. Essential Keyboard Shortcuts (Hotkeys)

Memorizing these will double your speed in E11. Part 4: Why Shops Still Install Cimatron E11